Suspension travel plays a crucial role in the performance, handling, and comfort of a motorcycle. Here are the key reasons why suspension travel is important:
Impact Absorption: Suspension travel allows the motorcycle to absorb bumps, road irregularities, and shocks from the terrain. When you encounter rough surfaces or obstacles, the suspension compresses and extends to absorb the impact, minimizing the transfer of vibrations and jolts to the rider and the rest of the bike. This provides a smoother and more comfortable ride.
Traction and Stability: The suspension travel helps maintain optimal tire contact with the road surface. When the motorcycle encounters uneven terrain or during cornering, the suspension allows the wheels to follow the contours of the road, ensuring that the tires maintain better contact with the ground. This maximizes traction, enhances stability, and improves overall control and handling of the motorcycle.
Handling and Cornering: Suspension travel significantly affects the motorcycle's handling characteristics. A well-tuned suspension system with appropriate travel allows the motorcycle to maintain stability during cornering, keeping the tires planted on the road and enabling precise control and feedback. It helps maintain the bike's balance, prevents excessive weight transfer, and reduces the chances of loss of control or instability.
Brake Performance: Suspension travel also influences braking performance. When you apply the brakes, weight transfers to the front of the motorcycle, causing the front suspension to compress. Sufficient suspension travel helps maintain stability during braking, preventing excessive dive and maintaining proper weight distribution between the front and rear wheels. This improves braking efficiency and control.
Off-Road Capability: In off-road riding scenarios, suspension travel becomes even more critical. Rough and uneven terrain requires greater suspension travel to absorb the impacts and maintain traction. Longer suspension travel provides better off-road capability by allowing the motorcycle to navigate obstacles, handle jumps, and tackle uneven surfaces more effectively.
It's worth noting that the appropriate suspension travel can vary depending on the type of motorcycle, its intended use, and the rider's preferences. Different motorcycles, such as sport bikes, cruisers, adventure bikes, or dirt bikes, have different suspension setups tailored to their specific purposes. Suspension travel is one of the key parameters that manufacturers consider when designing motorcycles for different riding applications.